Social-Ecological Science Interest Group (currently inactive)

As of 2017, there is not a formal committee for social-ecological research in the LTER Network. The information below documents efforts to form such a committee in the early 2000’s.

The social sciences have been incorporated to some degree in several of the LTER sites, particularly those that have received funds to conduct regional studies and the new, urban sites. Unlike the biophysical components of the LTER sites, however, there has been no structured or systematic approach to the social sciences within the entire LTER network to identify and address:

significant social or “integrated” science questions and

cross-site studies.

The semi-annual meeting of the LTER network in Madison, Wisconsin in October, 1999 focused on social science research from various LTER sites. During the presentations it became apparent that there were some common research themes. It was suggested that, similar to a core set of biophysical themes, the LTER network could identify a core set of social science themes. A group met after one of the sessions and discussed some ideas for how to organize and coordinate social science efforts at the LTER sites and to develop a “white paper” describing a vision for comparable social science research in the LTER network.

The linked documents include a list of social science contacts associated with different LTER sites, a “white paper” describing the need and opportunities for social science research within the LTER network, and a “vision” statement or initial strategy for developing and implementing a social science component with the LTER network.